Just a few weeks after the thrilling conclusion of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC is gifting viewers with a Christmas special featuring a fresh line-up of celebrities.
Among them is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, also known as Nitro, who is following in the dance steps of his Gladiators co-star Montell Douglas, a contestant on the previous series.
Harry will be competing on the dance floor against comedian Josh Widdicombe, drag queen Tayce, racing driver Billy Monger, presenter Vogue Williams and actress Tamzin Outhwaite.
Before audiences tune into the festive fun today (December 25), here’s everything you need to know about Harry, from his Gladiator persona to his recent appearance on Masterchef.
Olympics
After making history as the first athlete to clinch gold medals in both the 100 metres and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, Harry was crowned the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005.
He later represented Great Britain at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and secured a bronze medal in the 100 metres at the 2014 European Athletics Championships.
His first senior title came as part of the Great Britain team that triumphed in the men’s 4×100 metres relay. Following this, he won relay gold twice more at the European level and twice at the Commonwealth Games representing England.
Gladiators
Harry featured as his alter-ego Nitro in the revamped version of the TV show Gladiators, which aired on BBC One earlier this year.
Ahead of his Gladiators debut, Nitro was touted as the embodiment of pure energy, possessing breakneck speed and agility. He draws strength from the audience’s buzz and reciprocates with even greater zeal.
Upon being cast, Harry enthused: “Becoming a Gladiator is another great achievement! A childhood dream come true! You never know what is coming in life, each day is there to be enjoyed and savouring all opportunities is a must! It literally gives me energy and strength! I can’t wait to be in the arena and bring Nitro to Gladiators! “.
Celebrity Masterchef
Harry turned heads with his culinary prowess during his stint on Celebrity Masterchef, broadcast on BBC One this year.
The athletic icon took his kitchen talents to the screen in the second heat, alongside former EastEnders’ Danielle Harold, Love Island alum Chloe Burrows, starlet Rochenda Sandall, and the funnyman Eshaan Akbar.
Delighting the judges, Harry served up inventive dishes that paid homage to his Ghanaian roots. He soared through to the semi-finals, just shy of the grand final, with the judges advancing Rochenda, This Morning host Craig Doyle, and the crowned champion Vito Coppola over him.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special airs today at 3:55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer